IV Insulin for Better Blood Sugar Control

William C. Biggs, MD, FACE

Five years ago, William C. Biggs, MD, FACE, an endocrinologist practicing at Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) sought a better way of controlling blood sugar levels in his hospitalized patients.

Traditional methods -- injecting patients with small doses of insulin every four to six hours -- weren't always reliable and rarely maintained optimal blood sugar control, he says.

By researching through colleagues, Dr. Biggs learned of continuous intravenous (IV) insulin for diabetic hospital patients and those with poor blood sugar control.

"IV insulin successfully controls blood sugar levels, helps prevent against infection and promotes wound healing, thereby helping to reduce patients' lengths of stay," Dr. Biggs says. "We implemented the Intensive IV Insulin Protocol at Northwest Texas Healthcare System and have never looked back."

A STANDARD OF CARE
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists supports the use of IV insulin in hospital settings, and since Dr. Biggs brought the practice to NWTHS, it is becoming the standard of care nationwide.

"Since implementing the program, we've received calls from physicians all over the country, asking us about our experience and how to incorporate the Intensive IV Insulin Protocol at their hospitals," Dr. Biggs says.

He explains the benefits of IV insulin and how it has helped his patients gain tighter control of their blood sugar levels.

"Currently, the majority of critically ill patients with diabetes who are admitted to the hospital receive IV insulin. Those at risk for hyperglycemia [high blood sugar] are administered this treatment also," Dr. Biggs says.

HOW IT HELPS
Maintaining glucose control has been difficult in a hospital setting. Patients who have diabetes often have to temporarily stop their diabetes medications or change their diets to undergo surgeries or treatments for other health conditions. This can compromise glucose levels.

Other patients might not be diagnosed with diabetes but may suffer from hyperglycemia due to the physical and emotional stress associated with surgeries or hospital stays, or as a result of new medications.

"As many as 20 percent of hospital patients have uncontrolled blood sugar levels," Dr. Biggs says. "It's a problem that affects many patients, not just people with diabetes."

People who maintain healthy glucose levels throughout their lifetimes often live longer, healthier lives. Those with unmanaged diabetes or hyperglycemia are at risk for multiple life-threatening conditions, including:

• Heart disease
• Kidney failure
• Limb amputations
• Nerve damage
• Retinopathy, a potentially blinding eye disease
• Stroke

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
If you are a patient at NWTHS, you may be a candidate for IV insulin. Before your next scheduled hospital visit, ask your physician if IV insulin is right for you.

To learn more about the Intensive IV Insulin Protocol at Northwest Texas Healthcare System, please call William C. Biggs, MD, FACE, at 806-358-8331.

To learn more about controlling your diabetes, please call The Diabetes Center at NWTHS at 806-354-1202.

1501 S. Coulter, Amarillo, TX 79106 (806) 354-1000